"Leftovers" from the Little Miseries of Human Life 1843

J. J. Grandville created this print, titled "Leftovers" from the Little Miseries of Human Life, using lithography. This piece reflects the social and economic dynamics of 19th-century France, a time marked by stark class divisions. Grandville's scene depicts a domestic tableau, heavy with unspoken tensions. A woman, perhaps the lady of the house, is caught between a servant carrying dishes and a well-dressed gentleman, presumably her husband. The 'leftovers' become symbolic of what is discarded or unseen in the lives of the privileged, and the labor that supports their lifestyle. What is being suggested is that "I never manage, whatever I do, to find leftovers from a good dinner that are fit to be seen in the pantry". The artist subtly critiques the bourgeoisie’s detachment from the realities of domestic labor. As you consider this print, reflect on how these historical power dynamics continue to shape our own social landscapes. The artist challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about class, labor, and the unseen sacrifices that sustain our daily comforts.